Chat Sessions, 1/27/00
Can you name the only player in WAC history to score more points than former Utah star Keith Van Horn? No, it's not the 7-foot-6 Shawn Bradley (BYU), it's the 5-6 Becky Hammon of the New York Liberty. The 22-year-old guard compiled 2740 points during her college days at Colorado State, becoming the WAC conference's all-time leading scorer.
In her first season in the WNBA in 1999, Hammon provided great bench support for point guard Teresa Weatherspoon. She continuously displayed a soft shooting touch, and her superb ball-handling skills created many open looks at the basket for fellow Liberty players.
The three-time WAC Player of the Year (1997-99) and 1998-99 First-Team All American had her finest game in a Liberty uniform during a late-season battle with the Cleveland Rockers. Hammon netted 16 points, hitting 6-of-8 shots from the floor, including 3-of-5 from beyond the three-point arc.
Becky's sharp-shooting ability led to her selection for the Sony All-Star 2ball competition during NBA All-Star Weekend in February. She will be teamed with fellow New York chum Allan Houston, as the dynamic duo will look to bring the 2ball title home to the Big Apple.
Becky joined WNBA.com for a live chat Jan. 27.
hoopfan from dialsprint.net at 3:02pm ET
I found out that you and Allan Houston will represent New York at the All-Star game playing 2-ball. How do feel taking on a huge responsiblity only being a one year player. Best of wishes in the 2000 season!
Becky Hammon at 3:03pm ET
I feel very honored to be able to represent New York. There will be some pressure, but it should be mostly fun going up against all those great athletes and to be regarded as one of the good shooters in the league is just a huge honor.
Ilyssa from datanet.nyu.edu at 3:03pm ET
What was your favorite memory from the 1999 season, one from on the court, and one from off the court?
Becky Hammon at 3:04pm ET
I have lots -- but probably on the court would be Game 2 against Houston in the Finals, with Spoon's shot and how the game played out. My favorite experience off the court was our trip to Phoenix when we got to lay out by the pool and relax a little bit. Either that, or going to see Whitney Houston in concert.
Liz from proxy.aol.com at 3:04pm ET
What is it like to be a professional athelete and have young girls look up to you as a role model? You are one of my role models and you show that hard work pays off. I can't wait to see you play this year on the Liberty. You bring the flashiness to the Libery's backcourt with every aspect of you game.
Becky Hammon at 3:05pm ET
Thanks for the compliment. I really think that being a role model is the best part of the job, and I take that responsibility very seriously. It's a good thing that girls have women to look up to in sports, especially with the WNBA and women's soccer, and I think those opportunities will be getting better and better for young girls.
Seattle Sistah! at 3:06pm ET
Hey Becky, I watched Game 2 of the WNBA Championships and I thought your coming off the bench in that game was instrumental in the Liberty's comeback. I was wondering, can you tell us a little about your mindset in that situation. You rocked in that!
Becky Hammon at 3:07pm ET
I think I like high pressure situations and I think it's important to try and be your best. I just wanted to come in and make an impact, contribute good minutes, and whether you get two or 10 minutes, if they're good ones, then you've done your job. You do the best with what you've got. And thanks for the compliment -- it's nice to hear.
Keith Kowalski from mm.den.viawest.net at 3:08pm ET
Becky,
As a Colorado State alum, I'm glad you're doing well in the WNBA. What are the biggest differences between college and pro?
Are they going to give you more playing minutes next season? Good Luck!
Becky Hammon at 3:10pm ET
I think the biggest difference is the pure strength and athleticism of the players -- they're a lot more developed and polished in the pros. And you don't realize how high of a speed they're going. In the WNBA, most everyone is really fast. And you're not just looking at good college players, you're looking at the best, and that in itself is hard to deal with when you're a rookie.
We'll work on the minutes. I can't say I'll get more minutes. Hopefully I'll get more, but that's not my main priority right now.
LibFan from proxy.aol.com at 3:10pm ET
How is your season going with Colorado State? Are you traveling with the team as an assistant?
Becky Hammon at 3:11pm ET
I had originally wanted to be a student assistant with basketball and getting back into school, I decided I wouldn't be able to give as much time as they needed me to. I just decided to work on becoming a better basketball player, and kind of eliminate some of the structure that I've had in my life for a long time. This is the first opportunity I've had to spend holidays with my family, or just jump on a plane and go visit a friend when I want to.
Lior & Orli from Israel from access.net.il at 3:12pm ET
Hey Becky!
What dose playing with such a great point guard like T-spoon mean to a young player like yourself?
GO LIBERTY!!!
Becky Hammon at 3:13pm ET
I get to learn a lot, and that's one of the best things that came out of this season is that I get to learn from a WNBA all-star. She never takes it easy on me, which just makes me a better player. It's been an all-around good experience playing behind her, and she's a really tough competitor, which is something I admire about her.
Jonathon at 3:13pm ET
What is the best thing about playing in New York?
Becky Hammon at 3:14pm ET
Probably the whole New York atmosphere. I have great teammates. Everyone gets along really well, and I think we're really fortunate in that aspect. Those are all things that factor into making my experience with the team a positive one.
April Walker from proxy.aol.com at 3:14pm ET
What is your favorite CD right now, according to Rebecca's column you are a big-time music fan?
Becky Hammon at 3:15pm ET
Right now, my three favorite singers are Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. I really like the Celine Dion CD, and I'm a little sad that she's decided to hang it up for awhile.
Cathy Adubato at 3:16pm ET
Hi Becky...We are BIG FANS! Can't wait for the season to start! With Kym retiring and Rebecca's re-injury who will the Liberty post underneath and will the lack of height be a factor?
Becky Hammon at 3:16pm ET
I think we'll definitely look for someone to fill in -- look for Tamika Whitmore to get out there and get some more minutes. Also, Sue Wicks does a good job under the boards, but there is a void there that we may have to fill.
Gina from proxy.aol.com at 3:17pm ET
Who do you think is the toughest player to guard in the league?
Becky Hammon at 3:18pm ET
I think it's a toss up between Shannon Johnson and Cynthia Cooper. Shannon will be one of the best players -- she has an all-around game. And Cooper, she beats you by outsmarting you and she has so many dipsy-doo shots that she's really tough. But they're both tough -- they can shoot, pass, drive, pull up. They can do it all.
Lynda Ransdell from med.utah.edu at 3:19pm ET
Hey Hammer: When I was at Colorado State, I noticed that you were always very good about donating your time to various community events and organizations. What types of things are you doing in New York to stay connected with the community?
Becky Hammon at 3:20pm ET
Hi Lynda! In New York it's a little different because whatever they have a need for, they try to fill it. I've done a couple outreach programs with inner city kids, but I think the more I get myself established, the more I'll do. Here in Colorado, I do speaking engagements and things like that to try and stay involved with the community.
andrea from proxy.aol.com at 3:20pm ET
Hi Becky, Who are your buddies on the liberty?
Becky Hammon at 3:21pm ET
I'd say we're all kind of buddies, but probably my closest friends would be Crystal Robinson, Sue Wicks and Rebecca. But we all get along well, and that's something that our team takes pride in.
Lizzie from moravian.k12.pa.us at 3:21pm ET
Becky, Hey, any player to leave the legacy you have is worth remembering and admiring. A big part of the game is the number. Why'd you pick 25? Good luck! Stay awesome!
Becky Hammon at 3:22pm ET
Thank you -- when I was in high school, I was No. 22, but in college a senior had it at the time, so I had to take another one as a freshman. After my freshman year, I decided to stick with 25, and we've bonded since then. (laughs)
Marge from proxy.aol.com at 3:22pm ET
Who do you pick for the Women's Final Four this year?
Becky Hammon at 3:24pm ET
I haven't been watching as closely as I usually do, but if I had to guess right now, probably UConn, Iowa State, Lousiana Tech and UCLA as the dark horse.
Kim from proxy.aol.com at 3:24pm ET
Becky, Jen Buford said you did a basketball camp for girls in your home town in South Dakota. How is the talent coming from there, and do you enjoy running camps like that?
Becky Hammon at 3:26pm ET
That's something that I want to keep doing, and I'd like people to know more about it. I like doing them, and they're a lot of work, as well. The talent pool in South Dakota is probably a bit better than people would give it credit for. What else is there to do in South Dakota?
MIKE T from dialup.mindspring.com at 3:26pm ET
Hey Becky, We love you and the Lliberty. Any advice for my 10-yr old daughter Gianna who hopes to play in the WNBA?
Becky Hammon at 3:27pm ET
Any advice I'd give any girl who hopes to play in the WNBA is to believe in yourself and work hard, because this doesn't just happen. You have to work for it. Keep your eyes focused on your goal and see what happens.
spring Break 2000 from ejack.umn.edu at 3:28pm ET
Becky, you have come close so many times in your life.... you lost the state high school championship, you got close to the Final four in college... and you been one game away from a WNBA Championship! Isn't that frustrating for you?
Becky Hammon at 3:30pm ET
Yeah, it does get a little frustrating after awhile. In high school, we lost on a last-second shot. In college, we didn't play very well in the tournament. And then to go to the WNBA championships made it a real whirlwind of a year. It all just makes my fight all the more sweeter, though, once you get to the top of the mountain and see that you made it. I wouldn't do it any different though. I've learned from these experiences, and I'm still looking to get back to the WNBA championship -- that would be the sweetest of all.
Becky Hammon at 3:31pm ET
Thank everybody for your questions and I hope to do something like this again. Also, hi to my family in South Dakota, my New York Liberty teammates, all my fans back in the East, and all my Colorado State fans.
at 3:32pm ET
Thanks to Becky for chatting today! Stay tuned to WNBA.com for more live chats during the offseason. TO THE TOP